Pete Dunne Vows to Prove Himself as One of the Best Wrestlers in the World

Pete Dunne returned to independent wrestling for the first time in years on June 19, 2024, defeating Leon Cage in a Cardiff match—then used his post-match mic time to declare he remains one of the world’s best wrestlers, while praising Cage as the next generation of British talent.

The 32-year-old Dunne, who wrestles as Rayo Americano in WWE, competed under his real name at Attack Pro Wrestling’s Cardiff event, marking his first indie appearance since WWE’s NXT UK boom. After the victory, he addressed fans directly, calling his career “a weird ride” but vowing to prove his elite status whenever given the chance.

“No matter what happens, I promise one thing—any time I’m given a chance to step in this ring, between these ropes, I’m going to prove to you all that I’m still one of the best wrestlers in the whole world.”
—Pete Dunne, June 19, 2024

Dunne also singled out Cage, calling him “one of the best wrestlers in the world one day” and insisting British wrestling’s resurgence—led by Dunne and Tyler Bate—will continue through new talent like Cage. The two are now teammates in WWE as Bravo Americano, though Dunne’s indie return signals a broader push to revive British wrestling beyond WWE’s NXT UK brand, which closed in 2023.

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Why Dunne’s Return Matters for British Wrestling

Dunne’s indie appearance comes as WWE’s NXT UK brand, which he helped launch, has been defunct for over a year. The closure left a void in British wrestling’s global visibility, but Dunne’s return—and his praise for Cage—suggests a shift toward independent circuits as the primary platform for British talent.

According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dunne’s role as a producer for Lucha Libre AAA further cements his influence beyond WWE. His Cardiff match, while low-profile, aligns with a trend of WWE stars (including Tyler Bate and Joe Coffey) using indie shows to maintain relevance outside WWE’s main roster.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that British wrestling still doesn’t create some of the best wrestlers going.”
—Pete Dunne, June 19, 2024

The statement echoes the 2018–2022 boom, when NXT UK produced stars like Dunne, Bate, and Walter. However, the brand’s shutdown left many questioning whether British wrestling could sustain momentum without WWE’s backing. Dunne’s return—and his focus on Cage—implies a deliberate effort to build a new generation of talent outside WWE’s structure.

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How Dunne’s Career Connects to WWE’s Current Landscape

Dunne’s dual role as a WWE performer and AAA producer highlights WWE’s evolving relationship with independent wrestling. While WWE has historically discouraged stars from competing elsewhere, recent policy changes—including allowing Dunne’s Cardiff appearance—suggest a more flexible approach.

In 2023, WWE’s talent relations shifted after the NXT UK shutdown, with stars like Bate and Coffey increasingly visible in indie promotions. Dunne’s return to Attack Pro Wrestling (APW) fits this trend, though WWE has not publicly commented on whether this is a one-off or part of a broader strategy.

APW’s Cardiff event, where Dunne competed, is part of a growing UK indie scene. According to Pro Wrestling Insider, APW has hosted WWE-aligned talent before, but Dunne’s post-match speech—emphasizing British wrestling’s future—marks a rare instance of a WWE star using an indie platform to make a public statement about the industry’s direction.

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What Happens Next for Dunne and British Wrestling?

Dunne’s post-match remarks suggest he sees Cage as the heir to the NXT UK legacy. Cage, who defeated Dunne in Cardiff, has been praised for his technical skills and charisma, with Wrestling News Network calling him “the most exciting British prospect since Tyler Bate.”

If Dunne’s indie appearances continue, they could signal a broader shift: WWE stars using independent shows to test new material or build credibility outside the company. However, WWE’s history of clamping down on stars competing elsewhere means any long-term trend remains uncertain.

For British wrestling, Dunne’s focus on Cage and his indie return may accelerate the development of a new wave of talent—one no longer reliant on WWE’s NXT UK brand. Whether this translates into a sustained revival depends on how quickly Cage and others can establish themselves in both indie and global markets.

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Key Comparisons: Dunne’s Career vs. the NXT UK Era

Aspect	NXT UK Era (2018–2023)	Current Indie Push (2024)
Primary Platform	WWE’s NXT UK brand	Independent promotions (APW, Revolution Pro)
Key Talent	Dunne, Bate, Walter, Coffey	Dunne, Cage, Tyler Bate (now in WWE)
WWE’s Role	Full backing, global exposure	Limited involvement, policy flexibility
Fan Focus	Global WWE audience	UK/EU indie fanbase, niche appeal
Outcome	Brand shutdown in 2023	Uncertain, but signals potential revival

Dunne’s return to indie wrestling mirrors the early days of NXT UK, when stars like him used independent shows to gain visibility before WWE signed them. However, the current landscape is riskier: without WWE’s infrastructure, British wrestling’s future hinges on whether Cage and others can replicate the success of the NXT UK era.

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Dunne’s Cardiff match and post-match speech mark a pivotal moment—not just for his career, but for British wrestling’s trajectory. While WWE’s NXT UK brand is gone, Dunne’s indie return suggests the sport’s future may lie in independent circuits, with Cage and others poised to lead the next chapter.